Friday, November 6, 2026
Local nonprofit Hooks for Heroes will host its 11th annual Veterans Day fundraiser on Nov. 7, recognizing two Long Beach locals for their work in the community.
Hooks for Heroes was founded in 2016 by James Torborg, a Marine Corps veteran, former New York City Police Department officer and current New York City Fire Department firefighter. Knowing the stresses of serving, Torborg said he wanted to provide a positive outlet for first responders and military veterans — which led him to his passion for fishing.
“Fishing has always been my outlet,” Torborg said. “I just wanted to share that with other people.”
Caryl Ann O’Neill-Niven is this year’s Hugh Raiten Award recipient. Raiten was founding board member of Hooks for Heroes who, according to Felicia Nicholas, a Hooks for Heroes board member and local businesswoman, worked tirelessly to grow their organization by securing donations and raffle items. Raiten died in 2022 and the award’s inception, Nicholas said, aimed to keep Raiten’s legacy alive.
“Hughie was so selfless,” Nicholas said. “He gave so much of himself to so many people. He was always about America, loved veterans and taking care of people in need.”
O’Neill-Niven is one of the many faces of the Michelle O’Neil Foundation, a nonprofit created in 1997 in memory of Long Beach native Michelle O’Neill — the youngest of four siblings who died at 24 after battling cancer. The foundation, which marked its 30-year anniversary on Oct. 28, raises funds for families of children with cancer and children with developmental disabilities.
The foundation, O’Neill-Niven said, contributes to some of Michelle’s favorites. They’ve partnered with the Ronald McDonald House — where Michelle was assisted with treatments — and has made contributions over the years, which led to the house’s rooftop retreat being named in her honor. Big Sky Kids, a camp in Montana that serves children with cancer, was another organization Michelle loved.
“Were able to give back to so many, you know, organizations and families and children that need our help,” O’Neill-Niven said. “That’s our biggest accomplishment: the more we grow, the more we can give back.”
This years’ service member honoree is Adam Butter — a local realtor who served in the U.S. Army overseas for more than three years. He was selected, in part, by Nicholas.
“Adam is an all-around community guy, and we like to support people within our own community,” Nicholas said of his outreach with veterans. “Especially those who are still very much part of the community and what he does.”
The event will run from 2 to 6 p.m. at JJ Coopers on West Park Avenue, and includes live music from Dave Kellan and Katie Mitchell. As well, the U.S. Marine Corps Color Guard and the New York City Fire Department’s Pipe Band will also give presentations. Admission is $100 at the door.
